James Scharmack was charged with 14 counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor.

An Alamogordo man was charged with 14 counts of criminal sexual penetration, after investigators alleged he molested three girls.

James Scharmack, 37, was also charged with two counts of attempt to commit criminal sexual penetration, second degree felonies, and one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor, a second degree felony.

The abuse was reported by the girls' mother to the Alamogordo Police Department Feb. 18.

"I'm glad (APD officers and investigators) were able to bring some closure to the case and hopefully the kids can get some help," Investigations Captain Roger Schoolcraft said.

Forensic interviews were conducted with the three alleged victims who are between the ages of 8 and 12, according to court documents.

The eldest of the three victims told the forensic interviewer that the abuse began when she was in the sixth grade.

She allegedly told interviewers that Scharmack would wait until her mother left for work or when her mother worked nights, court documents state.

A second alleged victim said that Scharmack began to abuse her about a year ago when she was in the third grade, court documents state.

Scharmack was incarcerated in Otero County Detention Center. A preliminary examination was scheduled for 9 a.m. on Feb. 27.

"The detective section has been working very hard and become very skilled and multifaceted," APD Chief Brain Peete said. "The whole thing is to serve with integrity and to do everything we can within our power to ensure the safety of the citizens of Alamogordo."